Frequently Asked Questions

A number of the questions we are asked most frequently have been collected on this page. If you don’t find your answers here, we have several additional options:

We have created the "About Face & Body" blog in which we are posting additional material on a regular basis on a number of topics. The biog also offers an “Ask Dr. Hamra” form for you to submit questions for a public response.

You can also use our secure “Contact Us” form to request a private consultation.

Dr. Hamra is also an active participant in the RealSelf "Ask A Doctor" program. We've shared some of his answers below and more are available on his RealSelf Profile page as well as on our blog.

When will I be able to exercise and/or resume social activities?

Four to six weeks for aerobic activities. Three to four days for walks and upper body exercises.Please avoid abdominal exercises for four to six months if you've had abdominal or lower body procedures.

We've posted a more detailed set of guidelines in a post on our "About Face and Body" blog.

When will the sutures be removed?

Four to five days after surgery for face procedures. There are no removable sutures used for body procedures.

When can I drive?

Depending on the specific surgical procedure, a patient may drive once they're no longer taking narcotics.Please ask Dr. Hamra about any specific restrictions required by your surgery.

I have a trip planned. When can I travel after surgery?

You should wait five to seven days after surgery for face, breast, and nose procedures.Please wait 10 to 14 days after abdominal procedures.

If I’m coming in from out of town how long will I need to be in Dallas?

For face, breast and nose procedures, plan on five to seven days. 10 to 14 days for abdominal procedures.

Do you have suggestions for cosmetics to be used after surgery?

When can I resume wearing contacts and or glasses?

If you've had eyelid surgery, soft lenses can usually be worn after five to seven days.For hard lenses, you may need two to three weeks.Using a small suction remover for hard lenses is helpful after surgery.